1 00:00:00,110 --> 00:00:02,650 Speaker 1: Thanks so much for listening to the podcast today. I 2 00:00:02,850 --> 00:00:04,660 Speaker 1: want you to know that Victoria and I are praying 3 00:00:04,700 --> 00:00:07,360 Speaker 1: for you and your family this summer and just asking 4 00:00:07,400 --> 00:00:10,600 Speaker 1: God to bring you more peace and joy and victory 5 00:00:10,619 --> 00:00:13,350 Speaker 1: than you've ever seen before. Know that God's for you. 6 00:00:13,360 --> 00:00:15,090 Speaker 1: He's got you in the palm of his hand and 7 00:00:15,310 --> 00:00:18,620 Speaker 1: I hope you enjoy the message today. Well, God bless you. 8 00:00:19,140 --> 00:00:22,389 Speaker 1: Always a joy to come into your homes. We love you. 9 00:00:22,410 --> 00:00:24,829 Speaker 1: And if you're ever in our area, I hope you'll 10 00:00:24,870 --> 00:00:27,210 Speaker 1: stop by and be a part of one of our services. 11 00:00:27,570 --> 00:00:30,820 Speaker 1: I'll give you a personal invitation. I promise you, we'll 12 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:33,199 Speaker 1: make you feel right at home. These are the finest 13 00:00:33,260 --> 00:00:35,540 Speaker 1: people in all of Houston right here at Lakewood. So 14 00:00:35,580 --> 00:00:39,089 Speaker 1: come see us sometime. I like to start each week 15 00:00:39,110 --> 00:00:42,150 Speaker 1: with something funny, and I heard about this pastor. He 16 00:00:42,170 --> 00:00:44,950 Speaker 1: was raising money for a new auditorium, and he told 17 00:00:44,990 --> 00:00:49,449 Speaker 1: the congregation, anyone that will give $ 1, 000 can pick out 18 00:00:49,530 --> 00:00:52,530 Speaker 1: the next three hymns. Little old lady in the back 19 00:00:52,570 --> 00:00:54,770 Speaker 1: stood up and said, pastor, I'll do it. He was 20 00:00:54,830 --> 00:00:58,010 Speaker 1: so excited. He said, that's great. Now, which three hymns 21 00:00:58,050 --> 00:01:00,670 Speaker 1: would you like? She looked over the congregation and said, 22 00:01:00,690 --> 00:01:05,570 Speaker 1: I'll take hymn and hymn and hymn. All right, hold 23 00:01:05,630 --> 00:01:08,170 Speaker 1: up your Bible. Say it like you mean it. This 24 00:01:08,270 --> 00:01:10,830 Speaker 1: is my Bible. I am what it says I am. 25 00:01:11,410 --> 00:01:13,800 Speaker 1: I have what it says I have. I can do 26 00:01:13,860 --> 00:01:16,340 Speaker 1: what it says I can do. Today, I will be 27 00:01:16,380 --> 00:01:20,279 Speaker 1: taught the Word of God. I boldly confess my mind 28 00:01:20,360 --> 00:01:23,699 Speaker 1: is alert. My heart is receptive. I will never be 29 00:01:23,740 --> 00:01:28,220 Speaker 1: the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. I want 30 00:01:28,250 --> 00:01:30,790 Speaker 1: to talk to you today about how you can have 31 00:01:30,930 --> 00:01:34,770 Speaker 1: the last laugh. We all go through situations where we're 32 00:01:34,790 --> 00:01:38,730 Speaker 1: not being treated fairly. Maybe somebody's talking behind our back, 33 00:01:38,890 --> 00:01:42,080 Speaker 1: trying to make us look bad, or we were overlooked 34 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:45,560 Speaker 1: for a promotion, perhaps even cheated in a business deal. 35 00:01:46,319 --> 00:01:48,340 Speaker 1: I talked to a young man that was being made 36 00:01:48,420 --> 00:01:52,420 Speaker 1: fun of at school, who's constantly being ridiculed and given 37 00:01:52,460 --> 00:01:54,860 Speaker 1: a hard time because he wasn't in a certain group. 38 00:01:55,620 --> 00:01:58,300 Speaker 1: Another lady told how she was looked down on at 39 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:02,230 Speaker 1: work and not given the credit she deserved. because she 40 00:02:02,290 --> 00:02:06,150 Speaker 1: wouldn't go to lunch each day and gossip and complain 41 00:02:06,190 --> 00:02:08,710 Speaker 1: with the rest of the coworkers. They thought she was 42 00:02:08,750 --> 00:02:11,350 Speaker 1: too good for them. Didn't have anything to do with that. 43 00:02:11,770 --> 00:02:14,389 Speaker 1: She just didn't want the poison to go on the inside. 44 00:02:15,090 --> 00:02:18,970 Speaker 1: When we're being mistreated, and somebody on purpose is trying 45 00:02:18,990 --> 00:02:22,070 Speaker 1: to make us look bad, on purpose talking behind our back, 46 00:02:22,720 --> 00:02:25,720 Speaker 1: the natural thing to do is get in there, defend ourselves, 47 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:28,720 Speaker 1: set the record straight. If you talk about me, I'm 48 00:02:28,740 --> 00:02:31,530 Speaker 1: gonna talk about you. You stabbed me in the back. 49 00:02:31,930 --> 00:02:33,880 Speaker 1: You better watch out. Two can play at that game. 50 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:38,130 Speaker 1: Your time is coming. Human nature wants to get revenge. 51 00:02:38,169 --> 00:02:42,170 Speaker 1: We like to get even. But the scripture says, vengeance 52 00:02:42,350 --> 00:02:46,630 Speaker 1: is mine, says the Lord. That means God will make 53 00:02:46,669 --> 00:02:50,110 Speaker 1: your wrongs right. God wants to pay you back for 54 00:02:50,270 --> 00:02:54,060 Speaker 1: every unfair thing that's happened. He is a God of justice. 55 00:02:54,800 --> 00:02:57,679 Speaker 1: People may be making light of you, not giving you 56 00:02:57,700 --> 00:03:01,180 Speaker 1: credit you deserve, treating you poorly. Bottom line is this, 57 00:03:01,700 --> 00:03:04,650 Speaker 1: God wants you to have the last laugh. Here's how 58 00:03:04,669 --> 00:03:09,670 Speaker 1: it can happen. Romans 12, 19 says, never avenge yourself, 59 00:03:10,330 --> 00:03:14,270 Speaker 1: but leave the way open for God. Notice you can 60 00:03:14,370 --> 00:03:18,190 Speaker 1: either avenge yourself or you can let God be your avenger, 61 00:03:18,669 --> 00:03:21,810 Speaker 1: but you cannot have it both ways. If you take 62 00:03:21,889 --> 00:03:24,930 Speaker 1: matters into your own hands and you're always trying to 63 00:03:24,970 --> 00:03:27,960 Speaker 1: get even and pay people back, prove to them that 64 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:30,700 Speaker 1: you're right and they're wrong, then God's going to step 65 00:03:30,740 --> 00:03:33,100 Speaker 1: back and say, you go ahead. You do it your way. 66 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:35,890 Speaker 1: You don't need my help. But on the other hand, 67 00:03:36,250 --> 00:03:38,170 Speaker 1: if we can learn to stay on the high road 68 00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:41,790 Speaker 1: and no matter how great the opportunity to make somebody 69 00:03:41,830 --> 00:03:44,350 Speaker 1: look bad, no matter how much we want to pay 70 00:03:44,390 --> 00:03:48,030 Speaker 1: them back, we rule over our emotions and say, no, 71 00:03:48,630 --> 00:03:51,130 Speaker 1: I'm going to let God be my avenger. I'm going 72 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:54,340 Speaker 1: to trust God to bring justice into my life. When 73 00:03:54,380 --> 00:03:57,100 Speaker 1: you do that, that's when God will show up and say, 74 00:03:57,140 --> 00:04:00,090 Speaker 1: all right, let me go to work. I remember one 75 00:04:00,130 --> 00:04:03,150 Speaker 1: time many years ago, my father received a letter from 76 00:04:03,210 --> 00:04:07,610 Speaker 1: another minister that was very mean, very critical, very hurtful. 77 00:04:08,110 --> 00:04:11,370 Speaker 1: He accused my father of things that were totally false, 78 00:04:11,470 --> 00:04:14,800 Speaker 1: no truth to them whatsoever. When my father read it, 79 00:04:15,330 --> 00:04:18,030 Speaker 1: he was not only extremely hurt, but he was a 80 00:04:18,050 --> 00:04:21,050 Speaker 1: little angry. He thought to himself, I'm going to give 81 00:04:21,089 --> 00:04:24,180 Speaker 1: this guy a piece of my mind. He sat down 82 00:04:24,220 --> 00:04:27,920 Speaker 1: and wrote back the meanest, ugliest letter he possibly could. 83 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:30,880 Speaker 1: He said, brother, you don't know what you're talking about. 84 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:34,560 Speaker 1: How dare you accuse me of these things? He sealed it, 85 00:04:35,060 --> 00:04:36,800 Speaker 1: walked to the end of the driveway, put it in 86 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:40,140 Speaker 1: the mailbox and mailed it. In a few minutes, he 87 00:04:40,180 --> 00:04:43,280 Speaker 1: heard a voice right down in here saying, you got even, 88 00:04:43,320 --> 00:04:46,400 Speaker 1: didn't you? Daddy said, yeah, I got even. You feel better, 89 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:48,670 Speaker 1: don't you? Yeah, I feel better. You paid him back, 90 00:04:48,710 --> 00:04:51,789 Speaker 1: didn't you? Yeah, I paid him back. Then the voice said, 91 00:04:51,890 --> 00:04:55,410 Speaker 1: you sure did. You paid him back evil for evil. 92 00:04:56,420 --> 00:04:59,719 Speaker 1: My father gulped. He could feel that conviction. He knew 93 00:04:59,760 --> 00:05:02,820 Speaker 1: it was God speaking to him. He realized he didn't 94 00:05:02,860 --> 00:05:05,820 Speaker 1: respond the right way. He went back to the mailbox, 95 00:05:05,860 --> 00:05:08,580 Speaker 1: got the letter out, tore it up. He never sent it, 96 00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:11,479 Speaker 1: never said another word about it. You know what he 97 00:05:11,520 --> 00:05:15,240 Speaker 1: was doing? Choosing to let God be his avenger. He 98 00:05:15,279 --> 00:05:19,280 Speaker 1: was choosing to let God make his wrongs right. 16 99 00:05:19,279 --> 00:05:22,479 Speaker 1: years later, my father received a phone call from the man. 100 00:05:22,940 --> 00:05:26,650 Speaker 1: He was weeping and weeping. He said, Pastor Osteen, that 101 00:05:26,710 --> 00:05:29,510 Speaker 1: letter I sent you, it was so wrong. I feel 102 00:05:29,570 --> 00:05:33,680 Speaker 1: so bad. Can you forgive me? Friends, God knows how 103 00:05:33,710 --> 00:05:37,080 Speaker 1: to bring justice in your life. It may not happen overnight, 104 00:05:37,360 --> 00:05:42,100 Speaker 1: but it will happen. God knows every person that's done 105 00:05:42,140 --> 00:05:46,150 Speaker 1: you wrong. He sees every time you've been hurt. He's 106 00:05:46,190 --> 00:05:48,890 Speaker 1: keeping the records. If we can just learn to stay 107 00:05:48,950 --> 00:05:52,090 Speaker 1: on the high road and not waste our time trying 108 00:05:52,130 --> 00:05:55,030 Speaker 1: to pay people back, trying to get even, then God 109 00:05:55,089 --> 00:05:58,910 Speaker 1: promises he will be our vindicator. And I don't believe 110 00:05:58,950 --> 00:06:01,830 Speaker 1: we would be here today if my father had not 111 00:06:01,890 --> 00:06:05,430 Speaker 1: learned how to pass those kinds of tests. God will 112 00:06:05,589 --> 00:06:09,190 Speaker 1: only release favor and promotion in our lives when he 113 00:06:09,250 --> 00:06:12,850 Speaker 1: knows our character can handle it. If you get upset 114 00:06:12,950 --> 00:06:15,909 Speaker 1: every time somebody does you wrong and you live your 115 00:06:15,970 --> 00:06:19,080 Speaker 1: life trying to vindicate yourself, then you're not going to 116 00:06:19,130 --> 00:06:21,980 Speaker 1: get to where God wants you to be. And it's 117 00:06:22,020 --> 00:06:25,900 Speaker 1: interesting in the scripture, David was anointed to be king 118 00:06:26,520 --> 00:06:29,599 Speaker 1: many years before he ever took the throne. He had 119 00:06:29,620 --> 00:06:33,219 Speaker 1: to go through a period of testing. During this time, 120 00:06:33,580 --> 00:06:37,420 Speaker 1: King Saul was trying to kill him. It was very unfair. 121 00:06:37,920 --> 00:06:41,320 Speaker 1: David had done nothing but good for Saul. But Saul 122 00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:44,360 Speaker 1: had turned it around. And at one point, David had 123 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:48,089 Speaker 1: an opportunity to end Saul's life. He could have put 124 00:06:48,130 --> 00:06:51,170 Speaker 1: an end to his frustration and misery. But do you know, 125 00:06:51,589 --> 00:06:54,830 Speaker 1: David would not do it. He said, Saul, may the 126 00:06:54,910 --> 00:06:58,150 Speaker 1: Lord avenge me of the wrongs you have done, but 127 00:06:58,210 --> 00:07:01,730 Speaker 1: my hands will not touch you. No wonder David was 128 00:07:01,770 --> 00:07:05,250 Speaker 1: a champion. No wonder he was promoted. He knew how 129 00:07:05,290 --> 00:07:09,020 Speaker 1: to let God be his avenger. I wonder how many 130 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:12,400 Speaker 1: people just like David have been anointed to do something 131 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:15,750 Speaker 1: great in life, to be in a position of leadership, 132 00:07:16,290 --> 00:07:19,950 Speaker 1: a place of honor, fulfill their God-given dreams. But the 133 00:07:19,990 --> 00:07:24,530 Speaker 1: problem is they never pass the test. They're always trying 134 00:07:24,550 --> 00:07:27,490 Speaker 1: to pay back the Saul's in their life. They don't 135 00:07:27,550 --> 00:07:31,550 Speaker 1: realize the Saul's, that is the people that on purpose 136 00:07:31,590 --> 00:07:35,210 Speaker 1: do you wrong. The people that are constantly criticizing, they 137 00:07:35,270 --> 00:07:39,660 Speaker 1: are simply distractions. That is a trap to try to 138 00:07:39,700 --> 00:07:42,680 Speaker 1: get you to lose focus where you spend all your 139 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:45,600 Speaker 1: time and energy trying to pay them back when you 140 00:07:45,640 --> 00:07:48,460 Speaker 1: should be using your time and energy to move forward 141 00:07:48,620 --> 00:07:53,570 Speaker 1: into your God-given destiny. And understand, you cannot avenge yourself 142 00:07:53,910 --> 00:07:56,970 Speaker 1: like God can avenge you. You may think you can, 143 00:07:57,330 --> 00:08:00,430 Speaker 1: but God's ways are bigger and better than our own. 144 00:08:01,070 --> 00:08:03,160 Speaker 1: God can take those people that are making fun of 145 00:08:03,190 --> 00:08:06,119 Speaker 1: you right now and use them to be the people 146 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:09,580 Speaker 1: that promote you. Instead of having to work for that 147 00:08:09,660 --> 00:08:13,320 Speaker 1: boss that's always putting you down, never giving you any credit, 148 00:08:13,900 --> 00:08:17,000 Speaker 1: you don't know when God vindicates you, that boss may 149 00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:19,930 Speaker 1: be working for you. That person that won't give you 150 00:08:19,940 --> 00:08:22,470 Speaker 1: the time of day, never listen to your opinion, when 151 00:08:22,530 --> 00:08:25,570 Speaker 1: God avenges you, they'll hang on every word you say. 152 00:08:25,990 --> 00:08:27,970 Speaker 1: They'll do whatever they can to spend time with you. 153 00:08:28,870 --> 00:08:32,050 Speaker 1: They may be laughing now, but when God brings justice, 154 00:08:32,270 --> 00:08:34,700 Speaker 1: you're going to have the last laugh. And our attitude 155 00:08:34,740 --> 00:08:37,500 Speaker 1: should be, this may not be fair. They're not treating 156 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:40,280 Speaker 1: me right, but I'm not taking matters into my own hands. 157 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:43,000 Speaker 1: I'm going to let God be my avenger. And I 158 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:46,200 Speaker 1: know when God vindicates me, I'm going to come out 159 00:08:46,300 --> 00:08:49,420 Speaker 1: smelling like a rose. You may look down on me now, 160 00:08:49,940 --> 00:08:52,200 Speaker 1: but one day you'll look up to me. You may 161 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 1: not give me the time of day now, but one 162 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:57,220 Speaker 1: day you'll wish you had my time. I may not 163 00:08:57,260 --> 00:09:00,040 Speaker 1: have much today, but one day you'll wish you had 164 00:09:00,140 --> 00:09:10,470 Speaker 1: what I have. I love the way David put it. 165 00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:15,000 Speaker 1: Psalm 23, verse 5. God prepares a table before us 166 00:09:15,380 --> 00:09:18,630 Speaker 1: in the presence of our enemies. That means God will 167 00:09:18,670 --> 00:09:22,050 Speaker 1: not only avenge you, He'll not only make your wrongs right, 168 00:09:22,490 --> 00:09:25,530 Speaker 1: but He will bless you in front of your enemies. 169 00:09:26,150 --> 00:09:29,350 Speaker 1: He could promote you anywhere, but he'll promote you in 170 00:09:29,470 --> 00:09:31,450 Speaker 1: front of the people that were trying to make you 171 00:09:31,470 --> 00:09:35,690 Speaker 1: look bad. He'll give you favor, honor, recognition in front 172 00:09:35,710 --> 00:09:37,650 Speaker 1: of the people that were trying to bring you down. 173 00:09:38,429 --> 00:09:41,620 Speaker 1: That person that stabbed you in the back, betrayed you, 174 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:44,239 Speaker 1: tried to keep you from rising higher. Don't worry about it. 175 00:09:44,740 --> 00:09:47,960 Speaker 1: One day they'll be watching you receive the credit you deserve. 176 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,869 Speaker 1: When people talk about me, I don't get discouraged. I 177 00:09:51,929 --> 00:09:54,829 Speaker 1: know God just sent the angels to the grocery store. 178 00:09:55,679 --> 00:09:58,120 Speaker 1: Somebody lies about you, no big deal. I can see 179 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:02,740 Speaker 1: Gabriel setting the table. Somebody spreading rumors, somebody criticizing. I'm 180 00:10:02,780 --> 00:10:05,300 Speaker 1: not upset. I know God just turned the oven on. 181 00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:09,439 Speaker 1: I'm getting ready for my meal, not alone, not by myself, 182 00:10:09,500 --> 00:10:13,120 Speaker 1: not with just my friends. There's going to be some onlookers. 183 00:10:13,179 --> 00:10:15,780 Speaker 1: There's going to be a few people that can smell 184 00:10:15,850 --> 00:10:19,270 Speaker 1: the food. They can see the beautiful table. They can 185 00:10:19,309 --> 00:10:22,310 Speaker 1: hear the laughter, but this time they're not a part 186 00:10:22,330 --> 00:10:25,910 Speaker 1: of the party. You're having the last laugh. They're watching 187 00:10:25,950 --> 00:10:31,550 Speaker 1: you enjoy what God has prepared. In other words, they're 188 00:10:31,610 --> 00:10:35,189 Speaker 1: seeing you be promoted. They said you'd never meet anyone, 189 00:10:35,350 --> 00:10:38,059 Speaker 1: but they're watching you get married. They said, you don't 190 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:40,980 Speaker 1: have what it takes, but they're watching you accomplish your dreams. 191 00:10:41,490 --> 00:10:43,730 Speaker 1: They said, you'd never get out of the hospital, but 192 00:10:43,750 --> 00:10:46,609 Speaker 1: they're watching you walk out healthy and whole. They said, 193 00:10:46,630 --> 00:10:50,150 Speaker 1: you're too slow, too small, not talented enough, but they're 194 00:10:50,190 --> 00:10:54,210 Speaker 1: watching you receive honor, stepping into that winner's circle. You 195 00:10:54,230 --> 00:10:56,910 Speaker 1: need to get ready. Many of you have done the 196 00:10:57,010 --> 00:11:02,000 Speaker 1: right thing. You have overlooked offenses. You've shaken off negative words. 197 00:11:02,260 --> 00:11:05,320 Speaker 1: You've blessed your enemies. You need to know today your 198 00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:08,900 Speaker 1: dinner is almost ready. The food is cooked. The table 199 00:11:08,980 --> 00:11:11,840 Speaker 1: is set. It's just a matter of time till you 200 00:11:11,860 --> 00:11:15,920 Speaker 1: step up to the plate. What am I saying? Don't 201 00:11:15,960 --> 00:11:20,060 Speaker 1: get discouraged. Just keep doing the right thing. I've learned 202 00:11:20,440 --> 00:11:23,140 Speaker 1: if the enemy can't stop your dinner, he'll try to 203 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:27,130 Speaker 1: sour your party. He already knows God's gonna vindicate you. 204 00:11:27,550 --> 00:11:29,670 Speaker 1: He knows you're gonna have the last laugh. He can 205 00:11:29,750 --> 00:11:32,910 Speaker 1: see the table is set, but he'll do everything he 206 00:11:32,970 --> 00:11:36,490 Speaker 1: can to try to steal your joy, convince you it's 207 00:11:36,530 --> 00:11:39,770 Speaker 1: never gonna work out, you're never gonna be vindicated. No, 208 00:11:39,790 --> 00:11:43,219 Speaker 1: just keep shaking that off. Any moment, you're gonna hear 209 00:11:43,260 --> 00:11:46,620 Speaker 1: the dinner bell ringing Those people that are hindering you, 210 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:49,300 Speaker 1: trying to bring you down, they're going to see you 211 00:11:49,660 --> 00:11:52,020 Speaker 1: stepping into a new level. They're going to see God's 212 00:11:52,140 --> 00:11:54,840 Speaker 1: favor and goodness in your life in a greater way. 213 00:11:55,760 --> 00:11:58,449 Speaker 1: I was talking to a gentleman that was a mechanic 214 00:11:58,520 --> 00:12:01,510 Speaker 1: at a big diesel shop. He told how for years 215 00:12:01,590 --> 00:12:05,330 Speaker 1: he was treated unfairly there. It's a very negative environment. 216 00:12:05,720 --> 00:12:08,400 Speaker 1: They were constantly making fun of him. They thought he 217 00:12:08,440 --> 00:12:10,370 Speaker 1: was kind of stiff because he wouldn't go party with 218 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:13,630 Speaker 1: them after work. And year after year, he had to 219 00:12:13,890 --> 00:12:17,350 Speaker 1: put up with this injustice, this ridicule. And he was 220 00:12:17,429 --> 00:12:20,090 Speaker 1: one of the top producers, one of the best mechanics 221 00:12:20,210 --> 00:12:23,170 Speaker 1: at that company. But in seven years, he had never 222 00:12:23,230 --> 00:12:27,350 Speaker 1: had a promotion, a raise, a bonus, nothing because his 223 00:12:27,450 --> 00:12:30,830 Speaker 1: supervisor didn't like him. He could have easily gone around 224 00:12:30,870 --> 00:12:34,459 Speaker 1: with the chip on his shoulder, negative, discouraged. But no, 225 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:38,559 Speaker 1: he understood this principle. He knew God was his vindicator. 226 00:12:39,020 --> 00:12:42,160 Speaker 1: He knew the food was being prepared, the table was set, 227 00:12:42,480 --> 00:12:45,860 Speaker 1: and any moment, God was going to bring justice. One day, 228 00:12:46,020 --> 00:12:48,620 Speaker 1: out of the blue, the owner of the company called him. 229 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:52,079 Speaker 1: He had never met the man before. The owner wasn't 230 00:12:52,160 --> 00:12:55,730 Speaker 1: involved in the day-to-day operations. For some reason, he called 231 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:58,290 Speaker 1: this man and talked about how he wanted to get 232 00:12:58,350 --> 00:13:01,070 Speaker 1: out of the business, and he offered to sell the 233 00:13:01,130 --> 00:13:03,800 Speaker 1: company to this man. The man said, I don't have 234 00:13:03,880 --> 00:13:06,319 Speaker 1: money to buy your company. The owner said, you don't 235 00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:09,540 Speaker 1: need money. I'm going to loan it to you. Long 236 00:13:09,590 --> 00:13:12,540 Speaker 1: story short, he took the offer and today that man 237 00:13:12,679 --> 00:13:16,090 Speaker 1: owns the company free and clear. What happened? His dinner 238 00:13:16,150 --> 00:13:18,910 Speaker 1: was served. Now those people that used to make fun 239 00:13:18,929 --> 00:13:23,270 Speaker 1: of him, they don't make fun of him anymore. Instead 240 00:13:24,910 --> 00:13:29,160 Speaker 1: of calling him names, they call him boss. What is that? 241 00:13:29,570 --> 00:13:32,790 Speaker 1: God's serving him dinner in the presence of his enemies. 242 00:13:33,190 --> 00:13:36,190 Speaker 1: God promoted him right in front of the people that 243 00:13:36,210 --> 00:13:38,900 Speaker 1: were doing him wrong. They used to look down on him. 244 00:13:39,140 --> 00:13:41,460 Speaker 1: Now they look up to him. They used to blow 245 00:13:41,500 --> 00:13:43,120 Speaker 1: him off and not give him the time of day. 246 00:13:43,660 --> 00:13:45,260 Speaker 1: Now they have to make an appointment if they want 247 00:13:45,280 --> 00:13:48,850 Speaker 1: to see him. Friends, God knows how to avenge you. 248 00:13:49,410 --> 00:13:52,429 Speaker 1: Don't take matters into your own hands. If you'll let 249 00:13:52,510 --> 00:13:56,490 Speaker 1: God be your vindicator, he'll not only bring justice, but 250 00:13:56,570 --> 00:13:59,510 Speaker 1: he will promote you right in front of the people 251 00:13:59,530 --> 00:14:02,120 Speaker 1: that were trying to make you look bad. It says 252 00:14:02,179 --> 00:14:06,920 Speaker 1: in Proverbs 16, when God approves your life, your enemies 253 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:10,110 Speaker 1: will end up shaking your hand. I met a man 254 00:14:10,140 --> 00:14:12,650 Speaker 1: in the lobby not long ago. He said, Joel, I 255 00:14:12,690 --> 00:14:16,209 Speaker 1: was your biggest critic. I was always talking about you, 256 00:14:16,710 --> 00:14:19,050 Speaker 1: blogging against you, and I came to one of your 257 00:14:19,090 --> 00:14:22,350 Speaker 1: services to find something else to criticize, but I liked 258 00:14:22,390 --> 00:14:24,670 Speaker 1: it so much I came back the next week. That's 259 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:27,580 Speaker 1: been six months. I hadn't missed a service yet. Now 260 00:14:27,680 --> 00:14:30,660 Speaker 1: I'm your biggest supporter. He reached out and shook my hand. 261 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:37,620 Speaker 1: That's God causing your enemies to shake your hand. You 262 00:14:37,660 --> 00:14:39,880 Speaker 1: may have people right now that you're at odds with. 263 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:43,260 Speaker 1: Somebody at work that won't speak to you. Perhaps a 264 00:14:43,300 --> 00:14:46,970 Speaker 1: family member that's gotten bitter towards you. Even though you're 265 00:14:46,990 --> 00:14:49,930 Speaker 1: doing your best to be kind and respectful, they're just 266 00:14:49,970 --> 00:14:53,210 Speaker 1: the opposite. The more kind you are, the more hateful 267 00:14:53,250 --> 00:14:56,100 Speaker 1: they are. You have pure motives. You want to do 268 00:14:56,120 --> 00:15:00,160 Speaker 1: what's right, but they're always wrong. twisting your intentions. It'd 269 00:15:00,180 --> 00:15:03,479 Speaker 1: be easy for you to get bitter. Say, fine, if 270 00:15:03,500 --> 00:15:05,220 Speaker 1: you want to treat me like that, I'll treat you 271 00:15:05,260 --> 00:15:07,420 Speaker 1: like that. See if I'm ever nice to you again. 272 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:11,090 Speaker 1: Don't sink down to their level. Just keep doing the 273 00:15:11,150 --> 00:15:15,290 Speaker 1: right thing. God is a God of justice. He knows 274 00:15:15,370 --> 00:15:18,050 Speaker 1: how to change people's hearts. It may be a week. 275 00:15:18,630 --> 00:15:20,830 Speaker 1: It may be a year. It may be 25 years, 276 00:15:21,110 --> 00:15:23,630 Speaker 1: but God promises one day they're going to reach out 277 00:15:23,770 --> 00:15:26,400 Speaker 1: and shake your hand. One day they're going to give 278 00:15:26,440 --> 00:15:29,680 Speaker 1: you the respect that you deserve. I know a friend 279 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:32,820 Speaker 1: that worked for this company and he always gave it 100%. 280 00:15:32,820 --> 00:15:36,540 Speaker 1: He's got a great attitude, but the owner of this 281 00:15:36,620 --> 00:15:41,110 Speaker 1: company had something against him, never treated him fairly. Even 282 00:15:41,140 --> 00:15:44,780 Speaker 1: though this young man is very talented, very bright, he 283 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:47,330 Speaker 1: would never take his opinion, never give him the time 284 00:15:47,370 --> 00:15:51,110 Speaker 1: of day, just kind of dismissed him as inferior. This 285 00:15:51,150 --> 00:15:54,010 Speaker 1: young man never got bitter. He didn't try to prove 286 00:15:54,030 --> 00:15:56,370 Speaker 1: to everybody who he was. He just kept being his 287 00:15:56,430 --> 00:15:59,710 Speaker 1: best day in and day out. And eventually this owner 288 00:16:00,250 --> 00:16:03,480 Speaker 1: unjustly fired him. He let him go for no reason. 289 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:06,200 Speaker 1: The young man went out on his own and started 290 00:16:06,260 --> 00:16:11,280 Speaker 1: his own real estate company and became extremely successful. He 291 00:16:11,340 --> 00:16:14,190 Speaker 1: never thought much more about his former boss. how he 292 00:16:14,230 --> 00:16:17,770 Speaker 1: wasn't treated right. He had totally let it go, didn't 293 00:16:17,810 --> 00:16:21,490 Speaker 1: have any ill will toward anyone. But God is a 294 00:16:21,530 --> 00:16:25,350 Speaker 1: God of justice. He never forgets what you are owed. 295 00:16:25,870 --> 00:16:28,550 Speaker 1: You may let it go, but God doesn't let it go. 296 00:16:28,910 --> 00:16:31,810 Speaker 1: He's going to make sure you get everything you deserve. 297 00:16:31,830 --> 00:16:35,620 Speaker 1: And several years later, his former boss, the one that 298 00:16:35,650 --> 00:16:39,220 Speaker 1: treated him so bad, he was downsizing his company. He 299 00:16:39,280 --> 00:16:41,710 Speaker 1: needed a new building and to put his business in. 300 00:16:42,130 --> 00:16:44,530 Speaker 1: And it just so happened he wanted to rent the 301 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:48,510 Speaker 1: building that this young man owned. When he walked in 302 00:16:48,650 --> 00:16:51,680 Speaker 1: and saw his former employee, the one that he fired 303 00:16:51,960 --> 00:16:55,680 Speaker 1: as the owner, he nearly passed out. This time he 304 00:16:55,740 --> 00:16:58,280 Speaker 1: hung on every word he said. He treated him with 305 00:16:58,340 --> 00:17:02,180 Speaker 1: respect and honor. He valued his opinion. He ended up 306 00:17:02,240 --> 00:17:05,760 Speaker 1: renting that facility. And today he pays rent to the 307 00:17:05,800 --> 00:17:09,689 Speaker 1: young man he unjustly fired. That's God causing your enemies 308 00:17:09,770 --> 00:17:12,650 Speaker 1: to have to shake your hand. That's God giving you 309 00:17:12,730 --> 00:17:16,840 Speaker 1: the last laugh. I think about the people that didn't 310 00:17:16,859 --> 00:17:21,890 Speaker 1: want us to have this facility. Some of them made fun, mocked, ridiculed. 311 00:17:22,170 --> 00:17:24,590 Speaker 1: We don't want a church down there of all things 312 00:17:24,850 --> 00:17:27,969 Speaker 1: on and on. They did whatever they could to stop us, 313 00:17:28,490 --> 00:17:33,150 Speaker 1: but understand no person can stand against our God. No 314 00:17:33,350 --> 00:17:37,920 Speaker 1: obstacle is too big. No enemy is too powerful. What 315 00:17:38,180 --> 00:17:42,730 Speaker 1: God has ordained cannot be stopped by people, by the economy, 316 00:17:42,790 --> 00:17:46,570 Speaker 1: by governments, by injustice. God always has the final say. 317 00:17:47,130 --> 00:17:50,189 Speaker 1: And now when the critics and naysayers drive up and 318 00:17:50,210 --> 00:17:53,590 Speaker 1: down the freeway and see our beautiful facility, you know 319 00:17:53,630 --> 00:17:57,180 Speaker 1: what that is? God's serving us dinner in the presence 320 00:17:57,359 --> 00:18:03,580 Speaker 1: of our enemies. God wants to promote you Not in private, 321 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:07,389 Speaker 1: not alone, not just with your supporters. God wants to 322 00:18:07,450 --> 00:18:11,050 Speaker 1: promote you in front of your opponents. Part of his 323 00:18:11,190 --> 00:18:15,310 Speaker 1: justice is vindicating you so the people that said you 324 00:18:15,350 --> 00:18:18,859 Speaker 1: would fail see you succeed. The people that said you 325 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:21,619 Speaker 1: don't have what it takes see you accomplish in your dreams. 326 00:18:22,900 --> 00:18:27,980 Speaker 1: I remember when my father died and I first started ministering, 99% 327 00:18:27,980 --> 00:18:31,870 Speaker 1: of the people were totally for me, totally encouraging. But 328 00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:35,429 Speaker 1: there were certain people that told me in a roundabout way, 329 00:18:35,790 --> 00:18:38,510 Speaker 1: they didn't think I would make a good minister. I 330 00:18:38,550 --> 00:18:41,430 Speaker 1: was too much of this, too much of that. Really, 331 00:18:41,470 --> 00:18:44,270 Speaker 1: they wanted someone else to take over. And some of 332 00:18:44,290 --> 00:18:47,169 Speaker 1: these people I'd known for a long, long time. I 333 00:18:47,260 --> 00:18:49,960 Speaker 1: thought they were my friends. I thought they would surely 334 00:18:50,020 --> 00:18:53,630 Speaker 1: support me and encourage me. After all, it was hard 335 00:18:53,670 --> 00:18:56,869 Speaker 1: enough going through the loss of my father and stepping 336 00:18:56,950 --> 00:18:59,649 Speaker 1: up trying to do something new. The last thing I 337 00:18:59,710 --> 00:19:02,389 Speaker 1: needed were people that I thought were on my side 338 00:19:02,770 --> 00:19:05,669 Speaker 1: trying to pull me down. From time to time, I 339 00:19:05,710 --> 00:19:08,270 Speaker 1: heard reports that they were talking and trying to stir 340 00:19:08,330 --> 00:19:11,739 Speaker 1: things up. but I made a decision early on that 341 00:19:11,780 --> 00:19:14,419 Speaker 1: I was going to stay on the high road. I said, God, 342 00:19:14,859 --> 00:19:17,000 Speaker 1: they're talking about me, but I'm not going to talk 343 00:19:17,040 --> 00:19:19,500 Speaker 1: about them. I'm not going to try to defend myself, 344 00:19:20,140 --> 00:19:22,200 Speaker 1: and I'm certainly not going to change and try to 345 00:19:22,270 --> 00:19:24,670 Speaker 1: fit into their mold. I'm just going to be who 346 00:19:24,710 --> 00:19:28,090 Speaker 1: you created me to be. And today, 10 years later, 347 00:19:28,270 --> 00:19:31,970 Speaker 1: I can truly say God has brought justice into my life. 348 00:19:32,710 --> 00:19:35,580 Speaker 1: I don't say this arrogantly in any sense, but God 349 00:19:35,680 --> 00:19:41,330 Speaker 1: has given me the last laugh. They said that... They 350 00:19:41,410 --> 00:19:44,260 Speaker 1: said that I didn't have what it takes, but God 351 00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:47,000 Speaker 1: knew otherwise. They said I was too much of this 352 00:19:47,060 --> 00:19:49,670 Speaker 1: or not enough of that, but I knew God didn't 353 00:19:49,710 --> 00:19:52,580 Speaker 1: make a mistake when he created me. Now I didn't 354 00:19:52,619 --> 00:19:56,420 Speaker 1: have their approval, but I had God's approval and that's 355 00:19:56,460 --> 00:20:03,640 Speaker 1: all that really matters. Now, practically every time they turn 356 00:20:03,660 --> 00:20:07,450 Speaker 1: the television on, at least on Sunday, they can't help 357 00:20:07,490 --> 00:20:10,330 Speaker 1: but see me. Some of you are watching right now. 358 00:20:10,369 --> 00:20:16,480 Speaker 1: I can see you. They may flip it off to 359 00:20:16,540 --> 00:20:18,320 Speaker 1: another station, but you don't know. I may be on 360 00:20:18,359 --> 00:20:23,230 Speaker 1: that station next. What am I saying? We don't have 361 00:20:23,270 --> 00:20:26,950 Speaker 1: to defend ourselves. We don't have to have everybody's approval. 362 00:20:27,410 --> 00:20:29,870 Speaker 1: If you'll stay on the high road and let God 363 00:20:29,930 --> 00:20:33,250 Speaker 1: be your vindicator, he'll not only give you the last laugh, 364 00:20:33,510 --> 00:20:36,360 Speaker 1: but he'll put an exclamation point on it. He'll promote 365 00:20:36,410 --> 00:20:39,159 Speaker 1: you in front of your critics. He'll give you honor 366 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:42,679 Speaker 1: and favor in front of the people that said you 367 00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:45,760 Speaker 1: didn't have what it takes. And yes, they may continue 368 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:48,600 Speaker 1: to talk bad about you, but all they're really doing 369 00:20:49,180 --> 00:20:52,020 Speaker 1: is preparing the way for God to bless you more. 370 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 1: The more they talk, the more God sends the angels 371 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:59,670 Speaker 1: to the grocery store. The bigger meal he prepares. Somebody 372 00:20:59,710 --> 00:21:03,090 Speaker 1: lies about you. Just imagine God just turned the oven on. 373 00:21:03,910 --> 00:21:07,649 Speaker 1: Somebody is spreading rumors, betrays you. Gabriel just left to 374 00:21:07,670 --> 00:21:11,510 Speaker 1: the grocery store. instead of being discouraged by it, you 375 00:21:11,550 --> 00:21:15,189 Speaker 1: should be encouraged, knowing that part of God's vindication is 376 00:21:15,230 --> 00:21:17,169 Speaker 1: to not only bring you out, but to bring you 377 00:21:17,230 --> 00:21:22,179 Speaker 1: out promoted, increased in front of your opponents. I was 378 00:21:22,220 --> 00:21:24,780 Speaker 1: talking to a minister the other day. He's an older 379 00:21:24,840 --> 00:21:27,880 Speaker 1: man now. For 50 or 60 years, he went all 380 00:21:27,940 --> 00:21:31,050 Speaker 1: over the world doing so much good. Everywhere he went, 381 00:21:31,109 --> 00:21:34,470 Speaker 1: people received him and loved him so much. But in 382 00:21:34,510 --> 00:21:38,669 Speaker 1: his own hometown, the local newspaper did not like him 383 00:21:38,730 --> 00:21:42,800 Speaker 1: at all. They were always finding something wrong. He could 384 00:21:42,840 --> 00:21:45,520 Speaker 1: do a hundred things right. They wouldn't report on that. 385 00:21:45,780 --> 00:21:47,980 Speaker 1: They'd find the one thing he did wrong and make 386 00:21:48,020 --> 00:21:50,540 Speaker 1: a big deal about it. This went on year after year. 387 00:21:51,270 --> 00:21:54,920 Speaker 1: He had an interesting perspective. He said, if it had 388 00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:58,440 Speaker 1: not been for that newspaper, I would not have accomplished 389 00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:01,540 Speaker 1: so much. They not only kept me on my knees, 390 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:04,419 Speaker 1: they not only gave me fuel to prove them wrong, 391 00:22:04,970 --> 00:22:09,090 Speaker 1: but their critical spirit, that injustice put me in a 392 00:22:09,130 --> 00:22:13,429 Speaker 1: position to receive God's favor in a greater way. He 393 00:22:13,470 --> 00:22:16,070 Speaker 1: went on to build a big university in that town. 394 00:22:16,530 --> 00:22:19,879 Speaker 1: Thousands of young people have attended. It seemed like the 395 00:22:19,920 --> 00:22:23,000 Speaker 1: least likely place for him to be blessed, the least 396 00:22:23,060 --> 00:22:26,419 Speaker 1: likely place for him to accomplish his dreams, where he 397 00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:30,680 Speaker 1: had the most opposition, the most criticism. But no, God says, 398 00:22:31,100 --> 00:22:33,660 Speaker 1: that's where I prepare the table. That's where I want 399 00:22:33,680 --> 00:22:35,780 Speaker 1: to increase you. That's where I want to show you 400 00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:40,639 Speaker 1: unusual favor. Not necessarily just in front of all your supporters, 401 00:22:41,010 --> 00:22:43,810 Speaker 1: all the people that celebrate you, but God wants to 402 00:22:43,850 --> 00:22:47,370 Speaker 1: promote you in the presence of your enemies. Here's what 403 00:22:47,390 --> 00:22:51,390 Speaker 1: this means practically. At work, somebody is doing you wrong. 404 00:22:51,790 --> 00:22:54,650 Speaker 1: You just thank God if you'd give me another job. 405 00:22:54,690 --> 00:22:57,950 Speaker 1: These people are against me. Now understand, you don't have 406 00:22:57,990 --> 00:23:00,760 Speaker 1: to leave there to be blessed. God wants to bless 407 00:23:00,820 --> 00:23:04,020 Speaker 1: you right where you are. He wants to promote you 408 00:23:05,359 --> 00:23:09,500 Speaker 1: not only in spite of the opposition, he wants to 409 00:23:09,560 --> 00:23:13,300 Speaker 1: promote you in front of the opposition. That's the way 410 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:17,660 Speaker 1: God brings justice. That's how he vindicates us. One time 411 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:20,359 Speaker 1: in the scripture, there was a great famine in the land. 412 00:23:20,700 --> 00:23:23,780 Speaker 1: No water, no food, month after month. And Isaac was 413 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:27,119 Speaker 1: about to pack up and move to another place. But 414 00:23:27,140 --> 00:23:29,440 Speaker 1: God said, no, Isaac, I don't want you to leave there. 415 00:23:29,800 --> 00:23:32,530 Speaker 1: I'm going to bless you right where you are. And 416 00:23:32,570 --> 00:23:36,530 Speaker 1: so Isaac went out and planted his fields. The Philistines, 417 00:23:36,590 --> 00:23:39,830 Speaker 1: the people that lived there, they already didn't like Isaac. 418 00:23:40,070 --> 00:23:43,270 Speaker 1: They already were jealous of him. This just added fuel 419 00:23:43,330 --> 00:23:46,970 Speaker 1: to their fire. I can imagine them making fun of him, 420 00:23:47,390 --> 00:23:50,970 Speaker 1: mocking him, ridiculing. Isaac, what in the world are you doing? 421 00:23:51,010 --> 00:23:53,510 Speaker 1: Are you a fool planning in a time of famine? 422 00:23:54,010 --> 00:23:57,119 Speaker 1: Nothing's going to grow. There's no water. I'm sure he 423 00:23:57,160 --> 00:24:01,600 Speaker 1: was the laughingstock of the community. But Isaac understood this principle. 424 00:24:02,170 --> 00:24:03,709 Speaker 1: He didn't get in there and try to prove his 425 00:24:03,790 --> 00:24:06,730 Speaker 1: point and try to set them straight. He just stayed 426 00:24:06,780 --> 00:24:11,100 Speaker 1: in peace. In fact, his name means laughter. I can 427 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:14,140 Speaker 1: imagine the more they made fun, the more they criticized, 428 00:24:14,440 --> 00:24:17,190 Speaker 1: the more he stayed full of joy. Just said, God, 429 00:24:17,230 --> 00:24:19,489 Speaker 1: I thank you that you're still on the throne, that 430 00:24:19,510 --> 00:24:21,369 Speaker 1: you're going to bring the promise to pass, that you're 431 00:24:21,390 --> 00:24:25,310 Speaker 1: going to give me this harvest. Several months later, all 432 00:24:25,350 --> 00:24:28,770 Speaker 1: the people that were mocking and criticizing, they were standing 433 00:24:28,790 --> 00:24:31,920 Speaker 1: there looking at his fields, scratching their heads. They couldn't 434 00:24:31,940 --> 00:24:36,520 Speaker 1: believe it. The scripture says he received 100 times more 435 00:24:36,580 --> 00:24:40,140 Speaker 1: than he planted right there in the midst of the famine. 436 00:24:40,660 --> 00:24:45,100 Speaker 1: His critics were dumbfounded thinking, how does this guy get 437 00:24:45,140 --> 00:24:50,140 Speaker 1: a harvest with no water? Friends, God specializes in blessing 438 00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:53,480 Speaker 1: you in front of your enemies. Some of you are 439 00:24:53,520 --> 00:24:57,380 Speaker 1: trying to run away from a situation that's difficult. Somebody's 440 00:24:57,560 --> 00:24:59,720 Speaker 1: trying to make you look bad, talking behind your back. 441 00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:02,369 Speaker 1: I want you to have a new perspective. You do 442 00:25:02,410 --> 00:25:05,110 Speaker 1: not have to leave there in order to be blessed. 443 00:25:05,450 --> 00:25:07,990 Speaker 1: God wants to bless you right where you are. Part 444 00:25:08,010 --> 00:25:12,270 Speaker 1: of his vindication is promoting you so the opposition can 445 00:25:12,330 --> 00:25:16,190 Speaker 1: see it. Our attitude should be, they may be laughing now. 446 00:25:16,390 --> 00:25:18,649 Speaker 1: It may not be fair, but I'm not the least 447 00:25:18,730 --> 00:25:23,060 Speaker 1: bit worried. I know their injustice is preparing the way 448 00:25:23,160 --> 00:25:25,620 Speaker 1: for God to promote me. They meant it to hold 449 00:25:25,640 --> 00:25:27,620 Speaker 1: me down, but God's going to use it to thrust 450 00:25:27,660 --> 00:25:31,159 Speaker 1: me forward. And I should be discouraged. I should be 451 00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:33,910 Speaker 1: trying to get even, but I know better. I know 452 00:25:33,950 --> 00:25:37,609 Speaker 1: a secret. In fact, I can hear something in the distance. 453 00:25:37,970 --> 00:25:41,580 Speaker 1: It sounds like a dinner bell is ringing. Not only that, 454 00:25:41,690 --> 00:25:44,800 Speaker 1: I can smell something. I believe I can smell the 455 00:25:44,840 --> 00:25:48,840 Speaker 1: pot roast, the cornbread, the enchiladas, the fajitas, the blue 456 00:25:48,880 --> 00:25:52,380 Speaker 1: bell ice cream. What is that? God preparing the dinner. 457 00:25:53,700 --> 00:25:57,000 Speaker 1: And know this, when you are served, there's going to 458 00:25:57,020 --> 00:26:01,920 Speaker 1: be some onlookers, the critics, the naysayers, the opposition, the backbiters, 459 00:26:01,960 --> 00:26:04,649 Speaker 1: the backstabbers, the ones that were jealous, the ones that 460 00:26:04,670 --> 00:26:06,609 Speaker 1: said you'd never make it, the ones that said you 461 00:26:06,650 --> 00:26:09,610 Speaker 1: don't have what it takes. You can be assured God 462 00:26:09,650 --> 00:26:12,350 Speaker 1: will make sure they have a clear view of your table. 463 00:26:12,630 --> 00:26:15,949 Speaker 1: He'll make sure they see you being promoted, you being honored, 464 00:26:16,210 --> 00:26:20,570 Speaker 1: you accomplishing your dreams. So what's my encouragement today? Let 465 00:26:20,690 --> 00:26:24,120 Speaker 1: God be your avenger. Let God make your wrongs right. 466 00:26:24,470 --> 00:26:26,520 Speaker 1: Either he can do it or you can do it. 467 00:26:26,820 --> 00:26:28,800 Speaker 1: And if you let him do it, you'll always come 468 00:26:28,880 --> 00:26:31,600 Speaker 1: out better. He'll even cause your enemies to end up 469 00:26:31,660 --> 00:26:34,780 Speaker 1: shaking your hand. They may be laughing right now, but 470 00:26:34,820 --> 00:26:37,780 Speaker 1: know this, God is a faithful God. In the end, 471 00:26:38,020 --> 00:26:39,899 Speaker 1: you're going to have the last laugh. God's going to 472 00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:42,820 Speaker 1: bring justice into your life. Amen. Do you receive it today? 473 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,580 Speaker 1: We never like to close our broadcast without giving you 474 00:26:47,600 --> 00:26:50,170 Speaker 1: an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of your life. 475 00:26:50,670 --> 00:26:54,409 Speaker 1: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, I 476 00:26:54,450 --> 00:26:58,810 Speaker 1: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 477 00:26:58,850 --> 00:27:02,270 Speaker 1: you my Lord and Savior. Friends, if you prayed that 478 00:27:02,330 --> 00:27:05,080 Speaker 1: simple prayer, we believe you got born again. Get in 479 00:27:05,119 --> 00:27:08,459 Speaker 1: a good Bible-based church. Keep God first place. He's going 480 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:18,649 Speaker 1: to take you places you've never dreamed of. If you 481 00:27:18,690 --> 00:27:20,350 Speaker 1: want to know what you're going to be like in 482 00:27:20,430 --> 00:27:23,770 Speaker 1: five years, listen to what you're saying about yourself. You 483 00:27:23,830 --> 00:27:26,879 Speaker 1: are prophesying your future. I'd love to send you my 484 00:27:26,920 --> 00:27:30,359 Speaker 1: new book, Your Words, Your Reality. I'll show you how 485 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:34,000 Speaker 1: to speak positive, faith-filled words that agree with what God 486 00:27:34,060 --> 00:27:36,840 Speaker 1: says about you. You'll learn how to use your words 487 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:40,449 Speaker 1: not to describe the situation, but to change the situation. 488 00:27:41,020 --> 00:27:44,280 Speaker 1: When you speak words of health, favor, and victory, you 489 00:27:44,340 --> 00:27:47,420 Speaker 1: are setting the direction for your life. That's how you'll 490 00:27:47,440 --> 00:27:51,690 Speaker 1: break negative cycles, develop a healthier mindset, and see more 491 00:27:51,830 --> 00:27:53,750 Speaker 1: of the goodness of God in your life. 492 00:27:54,990 --> 00:27:58,910 Speaker 2: Your Words Equal Your Reality is a powerful new guidebook 493 00:27:59,070 --> 00:28:02,649 Speaker 2: designed to help you speak God's promises over every area 494 00:28:02,690 --> 00:28:07,130 Speaker 2: of your life. Inside, you'll find scripture-filled declarations for your health, 495 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:12,500 Speaker 2: Your relationships, your finances, and your future. Plus, real guidance 496 00:28:12,700 --> 00:28:16,200 Speaker 2: for wherever you are right now. Whether you're facing a challenge, 497 00:28:16,550 --> 00:28:20,550 Speaker 2: walking in breakthrough, or somewhere in between, each page will 498 00:28:20,590 --> 00:28:23,750 Speaker 2: help you align your words with what God says and 499 00:28:23,830 --> 00:28:26,939 Speaker 2: step into the very best He has for you. It's 500 00:28:26,960 --> 00:28:29,020 Speaker 2: yours as a thank you for your gift to the 501 00:28:29,060 --> 00:28:32,480 Speaker 2: ministry today. Be sure to request your copy of Your 502 00:28:32,560 --> 00:28:36,580 Speaker 2: Words Equal Your Reality, available this month by visiting us 503 00:28:36,840 --> 00:28:39,420 Speaker 2: at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 504 00:28:42,300 --> 00:28:45,400 Speaker 1: You can change what you're seeing by changing what you're saying. 505 00:28:45,820 --> 00:28:50,610 Speaker 1: Speak life, declare His promises, and watch what God does. Victoria, 506 00:28:50,630 --> 00:28:52,510 Speaker 1: I want you to know that we pray for you 507 00:28:52,570 --> 00:28:55,710 Speaker 1: and your family every day. Thank you for your prayer 508 00:28:55,810 --> 00:28:59,260 Speaker 1: and support. Your generosity helps us take this message of 509 00:28:59,300 --> 00:29:02,320 Speaker 1: hope around the world. Thanks so much for helping us 510 00:29:02,440 --> 00:29:05,350 Speaker 1: finish the summer strong. And a special thank you to 511 00:29:05,410 --> 00:29:07,910 Speaker 1: our Champion of Hope partners for all you do to 512 00:29:07,970 --> 00:29:11,160 Speaker 1: make the ministry possible. Until we meet again, may the 513 00:29:11,200 --> 00:29:12,780 Speaker 1: Lord bless you and keep you. 514 00:29:13,790 --> 00:29:16,860 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of Your Words Equal 515 00:29:16,910 --> 00:29:21,860 Speaker 2: Your Reality, available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com 516 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:27,620 Speaker 2: or call 888-567-JOEL. With an additional gift, you can also 517 00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:33,270 Speaker 2: receive the 3-Minute Promise, Power, and Authority Collection, featuring abundance, assurance, 518 00:29:33,410 --> 00:29:38,190 Speaker 2: and authority. A rich, empowering study drawn from the Passion Translation. 519 00:29:38,750 --> 00:29:41,920 Speaker 2: It opens up who you always are in Christ, what's 520 00:29:42,020 --> 00:29:46,270 Speaker 2: already yours, and the authority you already carry. Because your 521 00:29:46,370 --> 00:29:50,770 Speaker 2: next moment with God could change everything. Know who you are. 522 00:29:51,340 --> 00:29:52,500 Speaker 1: Walk in what's yours. 523 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:56,660 Speaker 2: Step into every moment with confidence. You can request these 524 00:29:56,740 --> 00:30:04,210 Speaker 2: inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging on to joelostein.com today. 525 00:30:04,830 --> 00:30:06,740 Speaker 2: Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.